The Moral Implications of Ectopic Pregnancy Treatments
An ectopic pregnancy is a difficult diagnosis, and figuring out the best treatment can be confusing and overwhelming.
We believe that every human life matters from the moment of fertilization until natural death. As pro-lifers, we see both the mother and child as equally valuable and deserving of dignity. Treatments for pregnancy complications should aim to protect both lives whenever possible. Some treatments for ectopic pregnancy do not reflect this, as they directly end the life of the developing baby, which is considered an abortion. It's important to understand the difference between treating a life-threatening condition where the baby's death is a sad side effect, and using a treatment that is meant to end the baby's life. The key difference is the intent. In the first situation, the goal is to treat the mother's condition, not to harm the baby. In the second, the treatment is intended to directly end the baby's life. There are four main treatments for ectopic pregnancy: expectant management, medical management, salpingostomy, and salpingectomy.
For more information about ectopic pregnancies and treatment options, read What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Methotrexate works by stopping the growth of the embryo and placenta, which targets the baby's life directly.[1] Salpingostomy is a surgery that removes the baby from the fallopian tube, also targeting the baby.[2] In both cases, the treatment is considered an abortion, which is the intentional killing of an unborn child.
Abortion is not required to treat an ectopic pregnancy. Expectant management means waiting to see if the pregnancy ends on its own, as the embryo usually dies in the fallopian tube and is absorbed by the body.[3] Salpingectomy is a surgery that removes the entire fallopian tube without directly touching the embryo.[4] In this case, it is not considered an abortion because the fallopian tube is targeted, and the baby’s life could be saved if there was a way. Sadly, the baby will still not survive, as there is currently no medical way to save them, as there is no standard medical procedure that can save the baby.
There have been two very rare cases where doctors were able to move a baby from the fallopian tube to the uterus, allowing the pregnancy to continue safely. This was done by performing a laparotomy with a salpingostomy, then making a hole in the uterus and transferring the embryo inside. Even though these cases give us hope, there is still no standard medical procedure to move the baby from the fallopian tube to the uterus.[5] Sometimes, there are reports of the baby moving on their own during expectant management, but this is rare and not a guarantee for individuals experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. For pro-lifers, waiting and hoping for a miracle is the most life-affirming option in these difficult situations. If that is not possible, a salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tube) is another option that respects life.
If there are concerns about fertility when removing one of the fallopian tubes. It is important to note that if a woman remains with one healthy fallopian tube, her fertility is generally similar whether she decides to have the baby removed from the affected tube (as in the Salpingostomy) or have the whole tube removed (as in the salpingectomy). As advocates for life, it is important for us to consider these moral implications if we find ourselves in this situation and to share this information with others we know who are seeking treatment for ectopic pregnancies.
If you or someone you know is facing an ectopic pregnancy, it can be helpful to seek a second opinion, especially from a medical professional who shares pro-life values. Consulting with a pro-life doctor or specialist may provide greater clarity about all available options and help ensure all moral and medical concerns are addressed. Bringing questions to your healthcare provider, asking about the intent and possible outcomes of each treatment, and making sure decisions align with your values are all practical steps.
For many women, an ectopic pregnancy is an emotionally difficult ordeal that may require time for processing and healing. If you are struggling with an ectopic pregnancy and need resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Nathalia Comrie
[1] Sally Chao, MD, “How Does Methotrexate Work for Ectopic Pregnancy?,” Drugs.com, last updated May 2, 2025,https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/methotrexate-work-ectopic-pregnancy-3558045/.
[2] Elsa S. Vadakekut and David M. Gnugnoli, “Ectopic Pregnancy,” in StatPearls (Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing, updated March 27, 2025), National Center for Biotechnology Information Bookshelf, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539860/.
[3] National Health Service, “Treatment – Ectopic Pregnancy,” NHS, last reviewed August 2, 2022,https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/treatment/.
[4] Elsa S. Vadakekut and David M. Gnugnoli, “Ectopic Pregnancy,” in StatPearls (Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing, updated March 27, 2025), National Center for Biotechnology Information Bookshelf,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539860/.
[5] John M. Thomas, G. Kevin Donovan, Miguel Ángel Luque-Fernández, Cara Buskmiller, and colleagues, “Efforts to Transfer Ectopic Embryos to the Uterine Cavity: A Systematic Review,” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research 49, no. 8 (2023): 1991–99, https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.15678